Reddit is testing new ways to consume its most popular posts, including video and audio formats inspired by how Reddit stories are already shared on platforms such as TikTok and Meta’s Reels.
The experiment began Monday across selected communities. Reddit says the early test will help determine which formats users prefer and whether they can eventually be expanded more widely.
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From Reddit Threads To Narrated Videos
The idea was first discussed during Reddit’s second-quarter earnings call in July. CEO Steve Huffman noted that popular Reddit stories are already being turned into narrated videos on other platforms, often using text-to-speech or creators reading posts aloud alongside unrelated footage.
Reddit now wants to bring that experience directly to its own platform. Users participating in the test can choose whether to “read” or “play” eligible posts.
Audio could allow people to listen to Reddit while exercising, walking or doing other activities, while video could make written conversations more engaging.
Original Posts Will Remain
The initial test is limited to selected English-language posts and is available through Reddit’s iOS and Android apps. The original posts and their comments will remain available, meaning the new formats will complement rather than replace Reddit’s traditional experience.
The company is also evaluating whether these formats can be introduced without losing the character of Reddit’s text-based communities.
Reddit Has Tested Video Before
The latest experiment builds on Reddit’s earlier attempts to expand beyond text. The company introduced native video hosting in 2017 and later tested a TikTok-style video feed.
More recently, Reddit introduced video in comments, which the company says now accounts for more than 10% of video posts on the platform.
The new test is another step in Reddit’s effort to make its content more accessible in different formats while competing for attention in an increasingly video-focused social media market.
